Police investigating citywide thefts of fuel

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a series of fuel thefts after receiving several reports from across the city.

Since mid- December 2017, the EPS has received over a dozen reports of gasoline and diesel being removed from SUVs, with thieves removing the fuel by drilling holes in the vehicles’ gas tanks.

Several reports have also noted a silver or grey minivan in the area at the time of the thefts, which is of interest to investigators.

“We’ve received reports of stolen gas from all areas of the city, with a concentration of thefts in southwest, west and northwest neighbourhoods,” says Detective Richard Windover with West Division. “However, we have also heard of similar reports received in neighbouring jurisdictions so we believe these thieves are at work in and around the Edmonton area.”

Investigators believe there may be additional complainants and witnesses to these thefts and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

“While fuel may not be a high value theft, the damage inflicted on the vehicles involved is significant and is costing drivers thousands of dollars in repairs,” says Windover. “If you’ve experienced this type of theft, please call us or your local police agency. We’d like to hear from you.”

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.